The tourism sector has experienced significant global growth over the past three decades. According to statistics from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), global tourism achieved a new record in 2025, with international tourist arrivals reaching an estimated 1.52 billion, a 4-per cent increase from 2024. Several factors have contributed to this substantial increase, including the rise in global income levels, the expansion of transportation options, the integration of modern technology into the tourism sector and substantial investments in the industry. These factors have not only boosted tourism, but also created millions of employment opportunities in many countries.
However, the global growth of tourism has significant implications for tourism education and training, as this sector provides the industry with thousands of qualified and specialised workforce every year. This has created a strong need to review the current tourism education system and policies to better meet the needs of the fast-growing industry. As one of the growing tourism destinations, Oman, with its unique and promising tourist potential, has, to a certain extent, succeeded in leveraging this sector to support the local economy and create job opportunities for youth.
The most important measure is aligning education with the emerging needs of the labour market. Secondly, reinforcing the role of applied and vocational education in the sector. Thirdly, modern technology and applications like AI need to be incorporated into current teaching and training programmes.
Fourth, integrating new trends in tourism into education, such as incentive tourism, conference tourism, adventure tourism and immersive tourism.
Fifth, equipping tourism students and trainees with the most advanced and updated training skills, as well as practical and scientific experiences. Lastly, providing local tourism and hospitality educational institutions with highly experienced and professional training staff.
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